Our music writers’ fave albums of 2018

BILLY PINNELL

“I can’t recall the last time I heard a debut album as fully realised as this one… Funk, rock, zydeco, jazz, gospel, blues and soul are all represented on these infectious songs that could have been born in New Orleans.”

SIMON WINKLER

“Cautiousness, confidence, strength and forgiveness [are] all told in unsteady snare snaps, suspended piano loops, subtle synths and vocal refrains… If we can be certain of anything it’s that Tirzah has made one of the most quietly compelling debut albums of the year.”

SIMON LUKIC

“When it comes to artistry in heavy metal, this Canadian institution is at the top of the mountain… Voivod are one of the genre’s finest: a forward-thinking band that defines “progressive” like no other. The Wake is ample proof.”

JEFF JENKINS

“Keyes is the Springsteen you’ve never heard of, the songwriter who shows us the inner-city Sydney you don’t see in the tourism brochures… [He] has a razor-sharp eye for detail, which brings these urban vignettes to life.”

HOLLY PEREIRA

“Despite living lives full of uncertainties, the band possess a remarkable assuredness. We’re Not Talking is further proof of the trio’s genius, and serves to show just how much they’ve grown as musicians.”